A Practical devotional for people who care for someone With Alzheimer's Disease or other Dementia

I have a routine before my mother, who has dementia, arises in the morning. I wash the drinking cup that sits beside her lift-chair, and I fill it with fresh, thickened water. Then I place it along with her morning paper on the stand beside her chair. I then prepare her cereal by adding protein drink, sugar, and ground-up medication. I place a cup with a tea bag under the spout of the coffee maker ready to release the hot water. I add thickener to her juice glass with a touch of sugar.

This routine allows me to more quickly prepare her breakfast once she awakens. After she arises and gets bathed and dressed, I can add the milk to her cereal and the thickener and honey to her tea. Once I pour the juice in the already prepared glass her breakfast is ready. I serve my mother out of honor, duty, respect, and love.

Isaiah 41:8-9 NASB But you, Israel, My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen,
Descendant of Abraham, My friend,You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth,
And called from its remotest parts
And said to you, ‘You are My servant,
I have chosen you and not rejected you.

God calls Israel in verses 8 and 9 His “servant.” Our heavenly father expects the people to serve Him with honor, duty, respect, and love. In return, God said He would “strengthen” them and “help” them in verse 10. He also told them in verse 10 to not “fear” or be “anxious.”

I find it interesting of all the available adjectives available, God described the Israelites as His servants. I am hesitant to apply God’s promises to myself that He directed toward others. But this old testament lesson is supported by new testament scripture, too.

Paul wrote a letter to the church in Colossae which was in Asia Minor. The town was located on a major trade route and influenced by eastern religions and humanism. Therefore, many doctrines were taught, and many vices were acceptable. Like today, people chose their religious beliefs according to its acceptance of their personal vices. So, Paul wrote a short letter to the Colossians outlining the basics of Christianity. In the third chapter and twenty-fourth verse he wrote, “It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.” (NASB) and “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance.” (NASB)

God wants me to be His good servant. He provided me with the Bible to direct my path, and He expects me to obey the rules. My Father not only asks me to obey but He expects me to serve. He asked me to be “fishers of men” to bring others to Him. He instructs me to “love my neighbor” and “pray for my enemies.” We are to “anoint the sick” and take communion in “remembrance” of Christ. We donate to God’s work as servants and not as investors wanting a return on our money.

Improving our “servant” skills will enhance our relationship with God and help us better understand His leading. As we help the poor and the sick, we will be less selfish and can better hear God speaking to us. As a caregiver, you are a servant to not only your loved one but also to God.

Isaiah teaches us, as a servant (caregiver) we shouldn’t fear or be anxious, and He will strengthen us when we are weary. Paul instructs us in his letter to the Colossians, servants of Christ will inherit heaven. This scripture in both the old testament and new testament apply to us today. We are servants of God when we serve others.

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